Chili’s Street Corn Recipe (Copycat Mexican Street Corn)

If you love Chili’s Street Corn, this easy copycat recipe shows you exactly how to make it at home. Sweet grilled corn on the cob is coated in a creamy chili-lime sauce, topped with cotija cheese, and finished with fresh cilantro and lime.

It’s smoky, tangy, slightly spicy, and tastes just like the restaurant version.

What Is Chili’s Street Corn?

Chili’s Street Corn is their take on Mexican street corn (elote). Fresh corn on the cob is grilled until lightly charred, then brushed with a creamy mayo and sour cream mixture, sprinkled with cotija cheese, and dusted with chili powder.

The combination of smoky grilled corn, creamy dressing, salty cheese, and bright lime juice makes it one of Chili’s most popular side dishes.

What’s in Chili’s Mexican Street Corn?

This copycat version uses simple ingredients to recreate the same flavor:

• Fresh corn on the cob
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Cotija cheese
• Chili powder
• Fresh lime juice
• Salt
• Optional cilantro for garnish

That’s it! Just a handful of ingredients for bold, restaurant-style flavor.

Ingredients for this Chili's Street Corn Recipe

Scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements.

• Corn on the cob – grilling brings out its natural sweetness and gives that signature charred flavor.
• Mayonnaise & sour cream – create the creamy base that coats the corn.
• Cotija cheese – adds salty, crumbly texture that balances the sweetness.
• Chili powder – gives mild heat and smoky depth.
• Fresh lime juice – brightens everything and balances the richness.
• Salt – enhances all the flavors.
• Cilantro (optional) – adds freshness and color.

How to make this Chili's Mexican Street Corn

This is how you can the Chili's street corn recipe. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions.

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Grill the corn, turning occasionally, until lightly charred on the outside and tender on the inside, about 10-15 minutes.
3. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, Cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and salt to taste. 
4. Then, remove the corn from the grill and allow it to cool down slightly. Brush each ear with the mayonnaise mixture. Finally, top with fresh cilantro and more chili powder if desired.
5. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges. I love to serve it with a side of these make ahead mashed potatoes.

Chili's Street Corn Recipe Variations

• Toppings: add toppings like crispy bacon bits for texture, jalapeños for extra heat, or diced avocado for a bit of creaminess. 
• Seasonings: you can add extra chili powder, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to your dressing for a bit more spice, or add smoked paprika for a smokier flavor. 
• Cheeses: mix up the cheese and try adding queso fresco or shredded cheddar for a spin on this classic street corn recipe. 

Can I Make Chili’s Street Corn Without a Grill?

If you don’t have a grill, you can still make Chili’s Street Corn using:

• A grill pan on the stovetop
• A cast iron skillet
• The oven broiler

Cook the corn until lightly charred and tender, then follow the same topping instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

Is Chili's Street Corn spicy?

Chili's Street Corn has a mild to medium spice level, depending on how much chili powder is used. The chili powder brings the heat in this recipe, but it is cooled down a bit by the creamy dressing and the lime juice. 

How do I adjust the spice level?

The great thing about making this recipe from home is that you can customize the spice level to your liking. All you have to do is add in more chili powder if you want more spice, or less if you're not a fan of heat. You can also add different kinds of hot sauce to your creamy dressing for additional spice and flavor. 

Can I make this Street Corn vegan?

Yes! You can substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream for a plant-based mayo and a dairy-free sour cream. You can also use a crumbly vegan cheese in substitute for the cotija cheese that is sprinkled on top. However, if you can't find dairy-free cheese, you can always use nutritional yeast to get the cheesy flavor. 

What is cotija cheese?

Cotija cheese is a traditional Mexican cheese known for its crumbly texture and salty flavor. It doesn't melt when heated, so it is perfect for this street corn recipe. If you can't find cotija cheese, you can use feta cheese as a substitute. 

What can I pair with my street corn?

Street corn has a savory and smoky flavor, making it a very versatile side dish. It can be served as a side dish for grilled meats, like steak or chicken, or paired with tacos or other Mexican-style dishes. 

Can I use frozen corn for my Street Corn?

I prefer to use fresh corn for this recipe, but you're more than welcome to use frozen corn if fresh corn is unavailable. Just be sure to fully thaw your corn before cooking so that you can get the charred flavor. It might have a slightly different texture than fresh corn, but it will still be delicious! 

How do I store leftovers?

You can easily store your leftovers by first letting your street corn cool to room temperature. Then, place your corn in an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for up to three days. 

To reheat, place the corn in the microwave or on a grill for a few minutes until warmed all the way through. Keep in mind that the texture of the toppings might change slightly when reheating.